Cariotester, a new device for assessment of dentin lesion remineralization in vitro.

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of a new device (Cariotester) for monitoring of incipient carious lesion remineralization in root dentin by topical fluoride in vitro. Demineralized bovine dentin specimens were treated by fluoride solutions (APF or neutral NaF) and remineralized for 4 weeks. Cariotester was used to measure penetration depth (CTR depth) of the indenter into the de- and remineralized specimen surface. The specimens were assessed by transverse microradiography (TMR) to determine lesion parameters (depth: LD, mineral loss: ΔZ). Pearson's correlation analysis showed an overall significant relationship between CTR depth and both TMR parameters. CTR depth appeared to distinguish the positive effect that topical fluoride application had on the remineralization of the outer zone of dentin lesions. Cariotester had the potential to serve as a quantitative tool for monitoring of incipient carious lesion remineralization in root dentin.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy with and without implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is recommended to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with New York Heart Association class III/IV, who are symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy, and who had a reduced left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction and electrical dyssynchrony. The effects of CRT are reflected mainly by the degree and location of dyssynchrony and by working in insertion of optimal LV lead site. Echocardiography and Doppler echocardiography are considered to be good tools to measure LV dyssynchrony directly. However, the large randomized trials have shown that no single echocardiographic measure of dyssynchrony is recommended to improve patient selection for CRT beyond current guidelines. There were several unsolved issues on CRT, such as patient selection, electrical or electromechanical dyssynchrony criteria to patients for CRT, indication of patients with a narrow or slightly prolonged QRS width, indication of patients with atrial fibrillation, and indication of patients with mild heart failure or asymptomatic LV dysfunction, and device selection; CRT alone (CRT-P) or CRT in combination with implantable cardioverter therapy (CRT-D). This review paper summarized the concept of therapy, the current evidence regarding the indications, effectiveness and safety of CRT-P and CRT-D in patients with LV dysfunction, and unsolved issues.